Category Archives: Photo-shoots

Winter in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area) brings about very tricky and blustery weather. Some people shy away from winter sessions because, well, it’s cold. But winter sessions make for some prime photo ops, so don’t write off the brisk weather months for photo shoots.

Keep tracking the weather. Those white winter days after a lot of snowfall can result in some of the most gorgeous photographs. Booking two months out probably won’t work, so you’ll instead want to book on a shorter notice.

Plan the day out so that nobody gets fussy or too cold. A bribe of hot chocolate after the session goes a long way. Also make sure that everyone’s dressed warmly.

Don’t be afraid to have fun in that snow. Snowball fights? Snowman building? Angels? The possibilities are endless and this should be all about having fun.

Choose colors and prints that pop. An all white background is absolutely beautiful, but having that pop of red or that flash of gingham can really make for a gorgeous photograph.

Pack the necessities. Noses tend to run in the cold, and glasses can fog up. Bring tissues, hand-warming packs, clean clothes and hot beverages to keep everyone perky throughout the shoot.

Because it can be really cold, note that a shorter session may be in order. Make the most of your photos by using every single second to the max, especially at the beginning of the session when everyone’s still warm and spirits are particularly high.

So, here are a few simple tips to ensure that your day is stress free and flawless for your spring session.

1. Wear layers. Spring can be finicky in the sense that you can go from frigid to over heated in a matter of minutes. We suggest wearing layers — tank top, tee shirt, cardigan, scarf, etc. That way each family member can peel off, or add, a layer as they see fit and remain comfortable throughout the session.

2. Location is a big deal. This is a great time to full take advantage of the fresh, warm air and beautiful budding trees and flowers. If you have any favorite locations in the Maryland, Washington D.C. or Virginia area, let us know. We have a nice list on hand, ourselves.

3. Play into the colors of the season when choosing your family’s outfits. Fresh pops of green, blue, pink and yellow are always a hit in the springtime. We recommend choosing a color theme for the whole gang, then slightly deviating from that with accessories to keep things interesting.

4. Speaking of accessories: wear them! Choose jewelry, scarves, or prints that play into the spring theme. Butterflies, flowers, insects, etc, can make for some super adorable family pictures.

5. Time it right. Book a session too early and you may miss out on those spring buds. Book too late and you’ve already wandered into summer’s territory. Keep an eye on the weather and give your photographer a call when the time is right.

6. Incorporate props. Spring offers some beautiful backdrops where props blend in perfectly. For example, old wooden chairs look stunning in a sea of blooming rose bushes, and a quilted blanket is lovely on the fresh, green grass.

7. Really think about your footwear. Spring can often mean a soggy ground, so flip-flops or heels are not the best choice. Instead, wear something that’s comfortable and spring appropriate, like loafers, flats or boots.

I had the pleasure of attending one of Jason Lanier’s workshops in Gettysburg, PA in May of 2014. I was able to meet a great group of photographers in addition to the phenomenal Jason Lanier. Here are some of the images from the historical Gettysburg battlefield with a couple of Civil War re-enactors.